Boy killed, 2 sisters hurt in tubing accident on Sylvan Lake

Investigators are checking into what happened Sunday when a power boat collided with three children being pulled in a tube on Sylvan Lake, killing one of them and seriously injuring two others.

A West Bloomfield father was traveling north to south when a boat traveling west to east hit the tube, striking all three children, a boy 11, and two girls, 6 and 10, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Both the father and the boat operator, 56, stopped and started to render aid. The three children were taken to the shoreline and CPR was started.

They were transported to McLaren Hospital in Pontiac. At the hospital the 11-year-old was pronounced deceased, the two girls were transported to Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital where they are listed in critical condition.

The second boater is a resident of Sylvan Lake, deputies said.

The investigation is ongoing by the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident.

“What was planned as a fun day turned so tragic,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “As we continue to investigate what caused this tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

The Sheriff’s Office reported alcohol is not believed to be a factor and the man driving the boat that struck the children told police he didn’t see them, according to The Detroit News.